Powerball Made $3.1 Million in 24 Hours After Invading California

Powerball, the ubiquitous lottery game, finally arrived in California on Monday, and began to spread its enticing message of easy, instant fortune to residents of the Golden State. That message appears to have been a success: According to a press release distributed by California's lottery authority, more than 700,000 Californians purchased Powerball tickets in the 24 hours since they went on sale, generating approximately $3.1 million dollars in revenue for the Multi-State Lottery Association, the non-profit outfit which administers lotteries in 33 states. The Los Angeles Timesbroke down the exact odds of winning, and — surprise! — they're not too hot. Californians dreaming of Powerball's giant jackpot have a 1 in 175 million of making their dream come true.